Sony recalls batteries from 18 models of laptop computers

Sony today said it is recalling about 1,700 battery packs used in 18 models of its VAIO Series laptop computers. The lithium-ion batteries made by Panasonic can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards.

The computers were sold at Best Buy, Sony retail stores, other consumer electronic stores nationwide and online at www.store.sony.com and other websites from February 2013 through October 2013 for between $550 and $1,000. The battery packs were also sold separately.

Panasonic battery packs included in this recall have model number VGP-BPS26 and part numbers 1-853-237-11 and 1-853-237-21. Panasonic battery pack model and part numbers are printed on the back of the battery pack. Recalled model numbers for the Sony VAIO Series laptop computers are:

SVE15132CXW

SVE1513KCXS

SVE15134CXP

SVE1513MCXB

SVE15134CXS

SVE1513MCXW

SVE15134CXW

SVE1513MPXS

SVE15135CXW

SVE1513RCXB

SVE151390X

SVE1513RCXS

SVE1513APXS

SVE1513RCXW

SVE1513BCXS

SVE1513TCXW

SVE1513JCXW

SVE171390X

Users can call Sony Electronics toll-free at 888-476-6988 from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET Monday through Friday or 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday or online at www.sony.com, click on “Support” and then “Support Alerts” for more information.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled battery packs, power off the laptop, remove the battery and follow instructions to obtain a free replacement. Until a replacement battery pack is received, consumers can use the laptop by plugging in the AC power only.